Mao undecided on Gulu MP seat

Democratic Party president Norbert Mao flashes a broom to his supporters atop an open roof vehicle at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu Town at the weekend. PHOTO BY JULIUS OCUNGI

Gulu- Democratic Party president Norbert Mao has said he is still unsure of contesting again for the Gulu Municipality parliamentary seat in next year’s general election despite numerous requests.

Mr Mao said many people have called on him to contest for the seat because the incumbent MP has failed to render quality leadership.

While addressing residents at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu Municipality at the weekend, Mr Mao said he needed more time to consult with his party over the matter.

“I have heard about people calling me to stand as Gulu Municipality MP. I have seen it in the media and today, I am here again hearing about it. I don’t want to deny in front of you that I don’t want to hear your request, but what is important is that you allow me to consult my party,” he said.

The DP president, however, compared his contest for the MP seat to that of a big fish diving in water to displace the small fish.

“Before I dive into the water, I need to first convey the information to my party about my next move, to swim with the small fish because I cannot just jump into the race like that,” he explained.

“People have spoken about this but my biggest focus is to be the president of the country. While you say that I should come back home, it should not look like I am looking for a job. I have enough work at the party,” said Mr Mao.

Mr Mao’s response was prompted by the district chairperson, Mr Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, who asked him to clarify to the residents whether he would contest for the seat in 2016.

The incumbent Gulu Municipality MP, Mr Christopher Acire, mid this year announced he would not be seeking re-election, citing constant accusation of incompetence by the electorate.